Stanley trip called off due to virus

SUNDERLAND’S game at Accrington Stanley has been postponed due to the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak at the club.

The Black Cats have informed the EFL they will be unable to play the fixture, 13 players reported to have tested positive for the virus.

A statement from the club read: “Sunderland AFC’s upcoming game against Accrington Stanley has been suspended.

“Scheduled to take place on Tuesday, the club has informed the EFL it will be unable to play the fixture due to the ongoing effects of a Covid-19 outbreak at the Academy of Light.

“Due to the scale of this outbreak and the volume of positive tests returned by players and staff, the club has taken the decision to postpone the game based solely on the health and wellbeing of all affected.”

A further statement from the EFL added: “The club informed the EFLthey would be unable to fulfil the fixture following the recent positive Covid-19 tests and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate as per EFL and Government guidance to mitigate against the risk of further infection.

“The circumstances around the postponement will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL regulations.

“A revised date for the rearranged fixture will be confirmed in due course.”

This is the fourth game Sunderland have had to postpone due to the situation at the club with the games against Blackpool, Hull City and Shrewsbury already needing to be rescheduled.

It remains to be seen whether the fixture at Northampton on January 2 will go ahead.

New head coach Lee Johnson has only been in charge for four matches, watching his side lose to Wigan just hours after being appointed, before wins at Oldham in the EFL Trophy and at Lincoln in the league followed by a 1-1 home draw with AFC Wimbledon.

As it stands, Sunderland now have 30 games to play in 2021 before the season ends – a total which could increase should they beat Port Vale in the third round of the EFL Trophy early next month.